School Board Meeting Recap - Nov. 24th

COATESVILLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING AGENDA

Virtual Meeting through Live Stream

November 24th 2020 - 7:00 PM

ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA

Tom Keech added two for the Finance committee

1. That the Board of School Directors approve the Coatesville Area School District’s revised Re-opening of School Plan in which Hybrid programming will begin in January 2021, based on trajectory of virus; low-incidence special education students will remain in-person; a second group of full-time, supplemental special education and students who are English Language Learners will move to in-person learning December 10th; and, TCHS programming will also resume December 9th, 2020. Transportation for these students will be approved by the School Board on December 1.
2. That the Board of School Directors approve the return of Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr. for consulting services related to operations including transportation, the 21-22 school district budget, and conduct an analysis of central office staffing through the existing Agreement of Services with CCRES at a cost of $580/per day.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM

(Comments on agenda items)  Members of the public wishing to make a comment during a remote (virtual) Board meeting are asked to submit their comments in writing to this email address: vboardmeeting@casdschools.org  State your name, address and township of residence. 

Ann Wuertz, West Brandywine Township - I would like to ask when voting for the Human Resource report, that there is discussion about the reason behind the coordinator and co-coordinators under Extra Duty.  What are their roles and responsibilities and how do these positions differ from department heads for each subject, there are no job descriptions on the agenda.  We furloughed teachers this summer, shouldn’t this fall under the Director of Educational Services instead of continuing to spend money with new positions.  I understand these positions wouldn’t pay a teachers salary but it all adds up when you add these type of positions coupled with the salary increases and administrative positions that have been added this school year.  Were the coordinator and co-coordinator positions budgeted for and if they weren’t how does the district intend to pay for them?  

 

Additionally I’ve also seen that Mr. Mangan is still working with the district from the IU.  The position he was in, has been filled and I would think sufficient time has passed for any transition.  Again we furloughed teachers yet continue to spend money on these extra employees.

 

Tracey Parker, Parent and teacher of CASD -While I understand the pandemic is not limited to or specificto only Coatesville Area School District, I’m emailing with concerns for our seniors.

Our seniors as well as their GPA’s are suffering due to virtual learning. Their current grades are not reflective of their true abilities and unfortunately, this virtual learning  can have a direct impact on them getting into college.

 I’m asking that you get creative and find a way to get them back in the building for in person learning; even if it’s just for a 1/2 day 2 days a week. 

We are burning our students out with full days of online instruction. There has to be a better way that will be beneficial to our students and their academic progress.

I know some are gonna rant and rave about this request,  but all of the other students (grades) have time to make up ground throughout the rest of there school career.  I’m in no way saying that the education of all is not important. But I feel the education of our seniors is paramount to their future.

High school transcripts are final and we can’t allow our kids transcripts because of virtual learning to be affected.

Please consider this request and move forward when it is safe to do so.

Deby Larson - Has it been thought of to resend a new survey about if we intend to send our children on the bus? That way you may not need as many buses as originally thought. I know the initial survey I said I would send on the bus, but times have changed and I would now be dropping off since I’m home till summer!!  

Kristina Haiko - Please do right by the teachers and keep them virtual and allow them to transition to teach from home through January. The numbers are clear (CASD has been in the very high category for the last four weeks) and the community spread is higher than ever before. You are putting them and their families at home at great risk everyday unnecessarily. CASD has not gone hybrid yet and now is absolutely not the right time to attempt it. It would be new to everyone in a time when spread is out of control. There wouldn’t be any margin for error because lives would depend on 100% compliance and near perfection of all CDC guidelines and protocols. It would be negligent on your part to attempt it at  this time. This is an unprecedented time and in years past the superintendent and board have failed the teachers. Now is the time to do right by them. Please show you support them and that they matter. Keep them safe. Anything less is unacceptable.

Rachael Kooser - I am a parent of two students in the CASD.  I want you to know that virtual education isn't working for my kids.   My youngest teacher is fantastic, but children of this age need interaction with the teacher.  He is suffering mentally and academically describing this as the worst year of his life.  I listen to his virtual learning and the teacher noted she broke out into an individual session with a student and it was so loud in the background she couldn't hear the student.  How is that child learning?  This is not an isolated incident across the district.  My 12 year old received the worst grades of his life.  Normally all A's and B's  He's 12 and struggling following the assignments, etc.  His comment was, Mom if I was in school, my grades would be so much better.   This is just not working.  For district cafeteria workers also to be posting on social media that they don't want to be in a building with the students is a disgrace.  Also saying that elementary parents only want babysitters.  All the essential employees that have worked through this.  Education is essential. Figure out the busing.  If you can't, offer the option of driving your student.  You are making ALL students suffer but not making this an option. We are not receiving a quality education.  PJP and Collegium are both back.  In my opinion, the Coatesville students need it more if you look at testing scores.    

Robin Seagreaves, Lockharts lane, West caln- I want to thank you for your tireless efforts during these most unprecedented times. I have tried to give grace over the pandemic for decisions I may have otherwise commented on. However when it comes to my children I can’t sit back any longer. 

I have grave concerns  about students mental health. My kids are depressed. I am seeing my two gifted kids lose interest and they have both cried to me that they are just in a big funk. There is nothing harder than seeing your teenage children who are usually happy and successful fail. They are not doing well in school for the first time in their lives. Straight a students now getting C’s and D’s. My GIFTED children failing not because they don’t know the content but because the assignments bear greater weight then knowledge of the actual content. I’m doing my part to find resources for them and I thank Francine Norman for sending me some after I called and emailed. She also took the time to call me.  I shouldn’t have to reach out. Someone should have read their GEIP’s and noticed that this is not consistent with their past performance and that something is very wrong.  What is the administration  doing to support my kids and others like them?  What resources are we exploring for their depression?  Their math teacher said

 

he had no idea if D’s are normal for them or not. Well, shouldn’t that teacher have been given a copy of their GEIP’s and know that they have math goals?   These are unusual times and we need to get creative. My children’s mental health depends on it. Please help.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT/ PRESENTATIONS

Hybrid Plan - Tomás Hanna

 

Recommendation to remain in virtual instruction until January for most CASD students, based on the data and recommendations, including a mandatory quarantine for those who travel out of the Commonwealth for Thanksgiving.

Recommendation includes

• Low-incidence special ed students who have been in-person will remain in-person
• A second group of special ed and ESL students will beginning in person Dec 10th
• TCHS will resume Dec 9th 
• Transportation will be provided
• (Parents will receive busing info via email by Dec 3 for these students)
• Continue to monitor virus through December to determine a return date for all students

We understand the frustration and disappointment. Our initial plan called for a return to in-person instruction Nov 9.  We encountered significant and unacceptable transportation scheduling challenges at that time. We have been working diligently to resolve these issues and anticipate transportation available to all students in December.  

PA Department of Education is now requiring districts to sign a form (attestation) choosing either

• Moving to virtual instruction when COVID transmission is substantial for more than two weeks 
• Following state directives of when to close a school based on the number of cases

This makes it very likely that many schools will be forced to move to virtual instruction in order to comply with the requirements. 

When traveling out of state for Thanksgiving, PA requires either a negative COVID-19 test upon return to work/school or quarantine for two weeks. This quarantine and a surge in cases, has caused neighboring school districts to go virtual after Thanksgiving. This two-week period ends Dec 14. We will continue to monitor numbers and decide on a January return date. 

Parents of CASD and non public students will receive detailed information about bus schedules, including transfer points (and staffing at these points) by Dec 14th. 

Comments/discussion:  

Following the presentation Fisher verified:

• Busing continues for students who have been in person since August (Hanna answered yes and they've been using new routes for 2 days)
• Non public routes have been adjusted and are in use (Hanna verified)
• Dec 1st board will be presented with routes for approvable (Hanna verified and noted August board was presented routes for first wave students)
• Rest of the students will have finalized routes presented to Krapf (Hanna verified)
• Second board meeting can be called to finalize additional routes (Hanna noted they should be ready Dec 1st for ALL CASD students)

ITEMS HELD FROM CONSENT AGENDA

FINANCE COMMITTEE

B & C.     Human Resources Report - That the Board of School Directors approve the resignations, appointments, new positions, leaves of absence, transfers, changes of status and corrections, as presented.  (Enclosure) 

Comments/discussion:  None

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     9-0

**Individually, 10 new coordinator positions were approved.  Technology and Equity passed unanimously.  ELA, Science, Math, Social Studies passed 7-2.

 

H.    Revised Re-opening of School Plan - That the Board of School Directors approve the Coatesville Area School District’s revised Re-opening of School Plan in which Hybrid programming will begin in January 2021, based on trajectory of virus; low-incidence special education students will remain in-person; a second group of full-time, supplemental special education and students who are English Language Learners will move to in-person learning December 10th; and, TCHS programming will also resume December 9th, 2020. Transportation for these students will be approved by the School Board on December 1. (No Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:  

Fisher - Highlighted parts of the motion

• Hybrid learning will not begin until at least January 2021
• All students who have been in the buildings will continue
• Second group of students including ESL will start Dec 10th 
• TCHS will restart Dec 9th 
• Transportation routes will be presented to the board Dec 1st 

Finkbohner - Most school boards don't include medical experts.  We rely on data to make decisions.  Significant increase in numbers after halloween.  We need to err on side caution, but we hear parents saying kids are struggling.  Implore the district to identify those students and help those families.  

Fisher - Agonizing decision for all of use.  Difficult to keep everyone happy.  The data shows the numbers are drastically worse.  Safety of our students is paramount.  I also echo that we hear students are struggling and implore the district to identify and reach out to students who are struggling.

Keech - Vote based on safety of students and staff.

Mills - Echo that we hear virtual learning isn't working for everyone.  Now that first marking period is over, we can look at the data.  We can come up with targeted solutions.  We have a lot to do when this is over to catch up.  But have faith in the students and teachers that they can do that.

Bookman - We need community support also.  We are listening, and we are also from the community.  Don't forget there is and has been staff in the building.  It's frustrating because we can't just push forward.  The numbers are rising.  Board discusses hours on end to make the best decisions.  We are parents too, we see issues as well.  We have to work together and not point fingers.  

Rhone - The need for kids to be back in the classroom is great.  As a father, my kids need it for the same reasons.  But the risk to reward on this decision is the main focus.  This is an agonizing decision, we are doing the best we can with this hand we have been dealt.

Henry - I know the horrors of this pandemic and the great importance of an education for every child.  But these are unprecedented times like none other.  We have to have faith and persevere.

Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     9-0

I.     Consulting Services - Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr. - That the Board of School Directors approve the return of Dr. Richard F. Dunlap, Jr. for consulting services related to operations including transportation, the 21-22 school district budget, and conduct an analysis of central office staffing through the existing Agreement of Services with CCRES at a cost of $580/per day. (No Enclosure)

Comments/discussion:   

Fisher - Highlighted parts of the motion

• District let students down with transportation.  This board has been actively involved daily.  We cannot let our students down again.  
• Dunlap has experience with the district and previous superintendent experience.  His knowledge and ability are needed for:
• transportation 
• budget
• Now as an outsider, he can conduct an analysis of the central admin staff and report back to the school board with findings.  These will be presented at a later board meeting.

Rhone - Are services as needed? This won't require 5 days a week every week?  

Hanna - Thank you Dr. Dunlap for your committment and support.  Correct, this is as needed, for about 60 day commitment total, over time.  Not a full time basis. Targeted support.

Fisher - 3 days a week?

Hanna - Correct.  And there is no admin fee for CCRES, so it's a discounted rate.

Finkbohner - We are taking the direction of the district very seriously.  Trying to identify shortcomings and work towards resolutions.  Just this time last year Dunlap was helping the district through difficult times as well.  This is important for long term trajectory of the district.  A consultant gives their impartial opinion, but Dunlap has a leg up on that. 

Harris - We need the help.  Looking out for what's best for students.  We are doing everything we can. 

 Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     9-0

 

EDUCATION COMMITTEE 

B.  Revised ATSI Plans – That the Board of School Directors approve the revisions made to the ATSI Plans for Rainbow Elementary School, Reeceville Elementary School, Coatesville Intermediate High School, and Coatesville Area Senior High School, as presented. (Enclosures)

 Comments/discussion:   

Palaia - These plans were approved earlier this year, but lack of keystone and PSSA data this year meant not much data to go on to create that plan.  These are revisions of the plan, which need to be approved by the board.  Additional data was collected by the principals throughout the first semester of this school year to create the updates to these plans. 

 Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     9-0

 

OPERATIONS COMMITTEE 

A.  Transcend Facility Management Company, LLC – Cleaning Services – That the Board of School Directors ratify the estimate from Transcend Facility Management Company, LLC to provide the District with up to 12 custodial workers/cleaners five days per week, eight hours per day per person. Cleaning services will be provided on an as-needed basis and billed on a per custodian rate of $21.26 per hour. Transcend will provide labor, uniforms, and background checks.. (No Enclosure) 

Comments/discussion:   (Consent Agenda)

 Passed            ☒                     Failed  ☐                            Vote:     9-0

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEM 

(Comments on any school-related topics)  Members of the public wishing to make a comment during a remote (virtual) Board meeting are asked to submit their comments in writing to this email address: vboardmeeting@casdschools.org  State your name, address and township of residence.  Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.  It is the Board’s practice not to engage in dialogue with speakers.

Sandra Brown - I am a parent of children at Kings Highway. I am voicing my concern regarding virtual school and its unfortunate shortcomings.This platform, this virtual school that has been forced upon them is not enough. Not enough at all. As a parent, it breaks my heart to see this go on for this amount of time. Sitting and staring at a computer screen for hours on end. For months on end. The short comings and concerns are endless---but it seems necessary to make mention---lack of social interaction, increased isolation, physical side effects from screen time, lack of physical activity, inattentiveness, and for lack of a better word- boredom. Then we have the computer glitches, web problems, zoom problems, noise problems, disorganization through computer instruction, wait times, children being put in "holding or breakout rooms", children spending a lot of time just waiting in general.  When I observe my children's virtual school I see a slow pace to the learning, an amount of work that appears "light"....I am concerned that although my children will finish 2nd grade, will they really and truly be ready to be a 3rd grader next year? I feel they are being cheated if they continue in virtual school. I implore CASD to consider opening for hybrid as soon as possible. We have no way of knowing all the ramifications of long term virtual schooling.....as a parent, I fear this.

Many, many schools have been able to formulate a plan, execute a plan, and get their kids back in school. Many decided to open at the beginning of the school year. CASD chose not to open. And here we sit, months later without proper busing, losing our hybrid opportunity.  We have never seen our kids walk through the front doors. We see Twin Valley, Downingtown, Lancaster Schools, and various other private and catholic schools open their doors. Why are our children still sitting at home? Why is the district not making it their number one priority to get these kids to "in person" instruction? When and if the community transmission numbers are used to keep our schools closed---I ask you, will CASD take a hard look at the transmission numbers within the schools across our nation and the world? Take notice of those schools that are open and functioning-- those schools that implement safety protocols, those that stay open despite community transmission rates, those that make brick and mortar a priority. We should be among those schools. I hope that CASD will take a different path and give our children the opportunity to go to school.

Dawn Stern - I have two 7th graders that were honor roll students until this year. They are both failing. The teachers have been trying their best to help both of them, but it just isn't enough. My husband and I both work outside of the home for essential businesses. We have tried everything we can think of to get the kids to do their work. I have been bringing them to work with me to try and stay on top of them, but I can't always be right there. I have my job to do. We have grounded them from everything and all that has done is push them into a deeper depression. I am completely loss on what to do.  

My one though was to find an online school that allows them to work at their own pace. This way they are not stuck sitting in front of a computer for 6+ hours straight. I have received a letter threatening truancy because they have missed to many classes. I can't afford a truancy fine, but I also can't afford not to work.  I hope some kind of resolution can be found soon for these kids. I know my children are not the only ones going through this.

Meghan Williams - Will teachers still have to go into their classrooms or can they teach from their dedicated home classroom/office spaces? Thank you and thank you for caring for the health and well being of the students, teachers, staff, and their families.

 

INFORMATIONAL

Henry Assetto - Expressed thanks to the board, superintendent, admin and teachers.  Noting the district has made a leap forward by creating coordinator positions in major subject areas as well as technology and equity.  

Has experience in curriculum development in the area of social studies,  he knows the value of  curriculum development.  These positions allow the district to begin authentic curriculum development.  

Stated families have been leaving the district due to lack of curriculum development, especially math and reading, and he personally has been working toward this for years.  

Additionally noted that these positions build on the fact that they value the input, ideas and suggestions of the teachers through this process.

Andrew Finkbohner - Thanked the janitorial staff, food services, administrators for all their work so far this year.  And especially thanked the teachers, the heroes, for their tireless efforts and finding positivity to share with and have a profound impact on the students.

Asked for continued patience from the community as they work diligently to try to get the students back into a successful academic environment.

To the students, "I thank you for being vigilant, I thank you for being disciplined I thank you for working with the school district and working with your parents and your teachers to continue to push through these uncharted waters."

And to fellow board members and Mr Hanna for the time and effort during this school year, having each other's each other's backs, and working with each other.

Mr. Hanna - Thanked the staff, board and community for not letting up and continuing to communicate as CASD strives to do better for the students.

Thanked the board and community for patience as they work though the reopening plan.  Thanked the board for support of special ed in person students and resuming TCHS.  Thanked Dr. Dunlap for the work he will be doing.

Noted continued monitoring of the virus data, understanding of the frustration and disappointment, and acknowledged the failure in the transportation area.  Additionally PA has issued new guidance, which will be communicated.

Have a great Thanksgiving, do so safely, if necessary testing before returning to work.  He again thanked the teachers, students, parents, custodial staff, food workers, everyone.  Continue to reach out, the district is listening.  Thanked CATA specifically for the support of work the school leaders have been doing to support the teachers and for working together with principals to make sure the students get the best possible education under the circumstances.

James Bookman - Recognized and thanked a pioneer from his neighborhood. Mr. Elwood Dixon, who passed away last month.  He noted his involvement in the community, school, neighborhood, board meetings, district, football games.  

Mr. Bookman explained he is grateful for communication from parents to help identify the areas of improvement.  He thanked the community and asked everyone to have a safe enjoyable holiday, then regroup and move forward.

Fisher - Mr Dixon was a longtime employee of the district. He was an advocate for kids, cared about this community, and more importantly he cared about our young. Thank you for bringing up his name.

Hanna - Thanked Alicia and Allie for being here, representing the student body, and being a beacon of hope for the community.